The ICPL Children's Room provides a variety of programs and services for children from birth through Grade 6. Contact the Library, 319.356.5200 for more information.

Storytimes

The Children's Room offers a set schedule of weekly storytimes throughout the year. Except on major holidays you can attend storytimes on:

Mondays & Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. (Toddler Storytime)

Wednesdays & Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. (Preschool Storytime)

Fridays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (Book Babies)

Saturdays at 10:30 (Family Storytime)

There is no registration for library storytimes--everyone is welcome. These programs last approximately 30 minutes.

Sunday Fun Days

Most Sunday afternoons feature fun activities for families to enjoy together. Each day has a theme with stories, crafts, or games to celebrate it.

R.E.A.D. Program

On selected Sunday afternoons, school-age readers are welcome to read aloud to trained therapy dogs for 15 minutes on a first come, first served basis. Sign up, read, and win a prize book. Presented by Iowa City R.E.A.D. Therapy Dog Teams.

Outreach Services

The Children's Room staff offer a variety of outreach programs. Call 319.887.6029 to arrange storytimes and visits to preschsools, daycares, and schools.

Special Events

The library offers School's Out Specials for children on days when public schools are not in session. Other special programming includes Popo's Puppeteer Festival. Sunday Family Specials, and Children's Day, a part of the Iowa Arts Festival.

Summer Reading Program

Each summer the library offers a reading incentive program for children from preschool to sixth grade. All children receive summer reading kits with activities to do to earn prizes and new books. Special programs are held throughout June and July. Registration begins at Children's Day during the first week of June.

Summer Library Bus

Children can show their Library card for a free ride to the downtown interchange during the summer months, then walk three blocks to the Library. This service is limited to children through grade 12, and their adult caregivers who are with them. Children and caregivers can ride home free anytime the same day with a Ride & Read bus pass, available at the Checkout Desk. Limit: 1 per day, and 2 per week. Must show Library Card to get a bus pass from the Library. The Summer Library Bus program runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from June 5 through August 9. For more information, visit the Summer Library Bus page or Iowa City Transit or call 319.356.5151.

Tours & Group Visits

If you would like a class or group tour of the Children's Room, please call the Children's Coordinator. The library is happy to arrange tours and visits for schools or community groups, schedules permitting.

Wii Gaming

Wii Gaming for School-Age Children is held in the Storytime Room on the first Thursday of the month during the school year.

Totally Tweens

On the 2nd Thursday of the month children in grades 3rd-6th can enjoy a program featuring hands-on activities including crafts, snacks, and games.

After School Minecraft

On the 3rd and 4th Thursdays of the month children in grades 3rd-8th may register to play Minecraft with friends in the Computer Lab. Build peacefully in creative mode or fight to stay alive in survival mode. Game rotation and group play are encouraged.